WI
Wisconsin Senate Bill SB535

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB535

Introduced
10/16/23  
Refer
10/16/23  

Caption

School mental health and pupil wellness aid and making an appropriation.

Impact

The bill proposes significant adjustments to the statutory framework governing the reimbursement of pupil services professionals under the state categorical aid program. By eliminating the two-tiered reimbursement structure and the requirement for local education agencies to increase spending to qualify for aid, SB535 aims to empower schools to allocate funds towards the hiring and retention of essential mental health professionals without the previous restrictions. This could lead to a greater number of professionals being employed across schools, directly benefiting students' mental health and wellness.

Summary

Senate Bill 535 focuses on enhancing mental health support in educational settings by modifying existing reimbursement structures for local education agencies. The bill expands the pool of eligible pupil services professionals for reimbursement to include not only social workers but also school counselors, psychologists, and nurses. This change aims to streamline aid for mental health initiatives in schools, thus better supporting the overall wellness of students.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB535 relates to the increased financial obligations imposed on the state budget, as it allocates additional funds for mental health services in schools. While proponents argue that the long-term benefits of having mental health professionals on staff ultimately save costs related to student crisis interventions and promote healthier school environments, critics express concerns about the sustainability of such expenses. Balancing the needs of school safety with fiscal responsibility remains a significant issue in the legislative discussions on this bill.

Latest SB535 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB589

School mental health and pupil wellness aid and making an appropriation.

WI AB91

The requirement that first class cities and first class city school districts place school resource officers in schools. (FE)

WI AB575

The mental health training program provided by the Department of Public Instruction. (FE)

WI SB45

State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE)

WI SB70

State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2023 legislature. (FE)

WI SB720

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB754

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB591

Increasing funding for school-based mental health services grants and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB67

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB48

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

Similar Bills

MD SB360

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD SB181

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

MD HB200

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

PA HB611

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD HB300

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2023)